Good liturgy should always be welcoming and inclusive. It must lead us to encounter God. Maria Hall shows us how formation in the different ministries serves the Liturgy well and enables us to deepen our faith.
All those involved in service to the Liturgy have a responsibility to understand their role and to keep learning in their journey in faith. Communication, co-operation and humility are essential ingredients and enrich the experience for everyone else who participates or attends. Good liturgy must always be welcoming and inclusive. It must lead us to encounter God. It is not surprising that formation in the different ministries is so important in enabling these encounters and in serving the Liturgy well.
“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24
Liturgy is intrinsically linked to everyday life and gives it meaning. When we hear the Word of God proclaimed well, it should inspire us to live good lives, look after the poor and needy, speak out against injustice, strive for peace and enjoy the wonders of creation. The words of dismissal at the end of Mass are deliberate; Go in peace; Go and announce the Gospel; Go glorifying the Lord by our lives. When our senses have been immersed in a sacred environment enhanced by candles, incense and music; when we have listened to the Word of God, offered ourselves to be transformed and received Christ in the Eucharist, then we are ready to live out the message of the Gospel, evangelise and help others. This is the goal of our lives as Christians. Though we are human and flawed, we should do the very best we can – good Liturgy encourages and strengthens us to pursue this goal.
The more we can understand what good liturgy looks like, the better these experiences will be for our young people.
We are called to offer ourselves and our gifts as we prepare for an encounter with Christ through the sacrifice which is about to take place at the altar. This is the very heart of active preparation and active participation.
Altar servers have one of the most amazing ministries in the Liturgy. At Mass they are closest to all the action and get a view that most of us will never have. Here's a guide to the formation required for altar servers in schools and parishes.
The Liturgy of the Word should be transformational but it requires good preparation. Here are some key elements that are crucial to being a really effective Lector or Reader.
When we gather for Mass, we are the Mystical Body of Christ, and we become one with Him through signs and symbols perceptible to the human senses. As we leave the Mass, we become those signs and symbols of Christ's presence in the world.
